Residential docs cannot refuse treatment at night: MPHRC

Bhopal, Apr 15 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission Chairman D M Dharmadhikari today said that a physician would be deemed to be ''criminally careless'' if he or she did not provide treatment to a needy patient at night even though the doctor was residing in the hospital premises.

''Several rural women constantly urge me to ensure that lady doctors are posted in village hospitals. Private practitioners should come forward to provide medical facilities in villages,'' he said while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Madhya Pradesh Nursing Home Association's Eighth Annual Convention.

Among those present were state High Court Justice Deepak Mishra, Chief Information Commissioner P P Tiwari, Bhopal's District and Sessions Judge Renu Sharma and Principal Secretary (Health) M M Upadhyay.

''Lady doctors working in villages should be compulsorily provided accommodation. Medical camps should be organised from time to time in jails. Media should exercise restraint while seeking news in hospitals and not violate patients' rights,'' Justice Dharmadhikari added.

UNI